Medicine Dispensing and Packing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A medicine dispensing and packing apparatus includes a powder supplying portion, a plurality of powder dividing portions, a dispensing and packing portion, a control portion, and an input portion. The input portion includes an input screen. In a case where a number of packets larger than a maximum number of divisions by which one powder dividing portion can divide powder and a dividing portion use instruction to perform dispensing and packing using the plurality of powder dividing portions are inputted to the control portion by a user&#39;s operation on the input screen, the control portion makes allocations of the inputted number of packets to the powder dividing portions within a range not exceeding the maximum number of divisions, and controls the powder supplying portion, the plurality of powder dividing portions, and the dispensing and packing portion on a basis of the allocations.

The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2011-245906, the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a medicine dispensing and packingapparatus that can dispense and pack powder.

BACKGROUND

A conventionally known medicine dispensing and packing apparatus of thistype includes: a powder supplying portion that supplies powder; aplurality of powder dividing portions that divide the powder suppliedfrom the powder supplying portion, into a plurality of portions by apredetermined dose; a dispensing and packing portion that dispenses andpacks each dose of the powder divided by each of the powder dividingportions; a control portion that controls the powder supplying portion,the powder dividing portions, and the dispensing and packing portion;and an input portion through which the number of packets is inputted tothe control portion (see, for example, Patent Literature 1 given below).

In such a medicine dispensing and packing apparatus, when the number ofpackets is inputted through a keyboard as the input portion, the controlportion controls the powder supplying portion, the powder dividingportions, and the dispensing and packing portion to perform dispensingand packing, on the basis of the inputted contents.

Meanwhile, limitations on the number of days of prescription have beenrelaxed in Japan. Consequently, for example, in a prescription for apatient who needs to be on long-term medication, it has become possibleto order the long-term medication at a time. When the long-termmedication is ordered at a time in this way, the number of packets islarger accordingly. Hence, a number of packets that exceeds the maximumnumber of divisions by which one powder dividing portion can dividepowder may be ordered depending on an ordered period of medication.

In the case where a number of packets that exceeds the maximum number ofdivisions is ordered in this way, the conventional medicine dispensingand packing apparatus performs dispensing and packing by dividing such alarge number of packets into some divisional units. Specifically, in theconventional medicine dispensing and packing apparatus, when a largenumber of packets is inputted through the input portion, the number ofpackets is divided into a predetermined number of divisions, and thecontrol portion controls the powder supplying portion, the powderdividing portions, and the dispensing and packing portion such that thedispensing and packing is performed in order for each divided divisionalunit.

Unfortunately, in the conventional medicine dispensing and packingapparatus, when an inputted large number of packets is divided intodivisional units, a user such as a pharmacist needs to repetitivelyinput and calculate the number of divisions until an appropriate numberof divisions is obtained. Further, because such input work needs to beperformed through the keyboard as the input portion, the operation isdifficult for the user, and the input and the calculation aretime-consuming and troublesome.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-97667

SUMMARY Technical Problem

The present invention, which has been made in view of theabove-mentioned circumstances, has an object to provide a medicinedispensing and packing apparatus that can simply perform dispensing andpacking work without requiring a user such as a pharmacist torepetitively perform troublesome input and calculation.

Solution to Problem

The present invention has been made in order to achieve theabove-mentioned object, and a medicine dispensing and packing apparatusaccording to the present invention includes: a powder supplying portionthat supplies powder; a plurality of powder dividing portions thatdivide the powder supplied from the powder supplying portion, into aplurality of portions by a predetermined dose; a dispensing and packingportion that dispenses and packs each dose of the powder divided by eachof the plurality of powder dividing portions; a control portion thatcontrols the powder supplying portion, the plurality of powder dividingportions, and the dispensing and packing portion; and an input portionthrough which prescription information is inputted to the controlportion. The input portion includes an input screen to be operated by auser to input the prescription information. In a case where a number ofpackets larger than a maximum number of divisions by which one powderdividing portion can divide the powder and a dividing portion useinstruction to dispense and pack the powder using the plurality ofpowder dividing portions are inputted as the prescription information tothe control portion by operating the input screen, the control portionmakes allocations of the inputted number of packets to the powderdividing portions within a range not exceeding the maximum number ofdivisions, and controls the powder supplying portion, the plurality ofpowder dividing portions, and the dispensing and packing portion on abasis of the allocations.

Further, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus according tothe present invention, a number-of-packet input portion for enabling theuser to input the number of packets may be displayed on the inputscreen. In a case where the number of packets larger than the maximumnumber of divisions is inputted by operating the number-of-packet inputportion, a dividing portion use instruction input portion for enablingthe user to input the dividing portion use instruction may be displayedin an operable state on the input screen. In a case where the dividingportion use instruction is inputted by operating the dividing portionuse instruction input portion, the control portion may consecutively usethe plurality of powder dividing portions to dispense and pack thepowder, on the basis of the allocations.

Furthermore, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus accordingto the present invention, in a case where the number of packets and thedividing portion use instruction are inputted, a dividing portion orderinput portion for enabling the user to give an instruction on an orderof use of the plurality of powder dividing portions may be displayed inan operable state on the input screen. The control portion may use theplurality of powder dividing portions one after another to dispense andpack the powder, on the basis of the order on which the instruction isgiven by operating the dividing portion order input portion.

Still further, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatusaccording to the present invention, a plurality of allocation displayportions for displaying the numbers of packets respectively allocated tothe powder dividing portions may be displayed on the input screen so asto respectively correspond to the powder dividing portions.

Further, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus according tothe present invention, the numbers of packets respectively displayed inthe allocation display portions may be integers.

Furthermore, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus accordingto the present invention, the numbers of packets respectively displayedin the allocation display portions may be equal numbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of a medicinedispensing and packing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along a line A-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the medicine dispensing and packingapparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a menu screen of an input screen of themedicine dispensing and packing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a usage input screen of the inputscreen of the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a dispensing and packing informationinput screen of the input screen of the medicine dispensing and packingapparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen of the input screenof the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation screen of the inputscreen of the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus, the diagramillustrating a screen for selecting the order of use of a plurality ofpowder dividing portions.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation screen of the inputscreen of the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus, the diagramillustrating a screen for setting an allocation to each of the pluralityof powder dividing portions.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for inputting andsetting prescription information concerning consecutive use in themedicine dispensing and packing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medicine dispensing and packingapparatus according to the present invention is described in detail withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1according to the present embodiment. The medicine dispensing and packingapparatus 1 is an apparatus that can dispense and pack powder andtablets separately or together. The medicine dispensing and packingapparatus 1 includes: a powder distributing portion 2 used for powder; atablet distributing portion 3 used for tablets; a dispensing and packingportion 4 that dispenses and packs powder M and tablets respectivelydistributed by the powder distributing portion 2 and the tabletdistributing portion 3, separately or together; a printing portion 5that performs printing on packing paper P used for the dispensing andpacking; a control portion 6 that controls these portions; and an inputportion 7 through which prescription information is inputted to thecontrol portion 6.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the powder distributing portion 2includes: powder supplying portions 21 that supply the powder M; andpowder dividing portions 22 that divide the powder M supplied from thepowder supplying portions 21, into a plurality of portions by apredetermined dose.

The powder supplying portions 21 each include: a hopper 211 into whichthe powder M is put; and a feeder 212 that supplies the powder M putinto the hopper 211, at a constant feeding speed. In the presentembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the powder supplying portions 21are respectively provided for the powder dividing portions 22 on aone-to-one basis, and can be used to respectively supply the powder M tothe powder dividing portions 22.

The powder dividing portions 22 each include; a rotating table 221 onwhich the powder M supplied from each powder supplying portion 21 ismounted; and a scooper 222 that scoops the powder M on the rotatingtable 221 by a predetermined dose. The powder distributing portion 2 ofthe present embodiment includes the two powder dividing portions 22, 22arranged side by side, and each powder dividing portion 22 can dividethe powder M.

The rotating table 221 is a horizontally placed disc-shaped table, andis rotatable about a rotating axis C (the central axis of the discshape) along the top-bottom direction. The peripheral portion of therotating table 221 is provided with a concave portion 2211 openedupward. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the powder M supplied from each powdersupplying portion 21 is put (deposited) in the concave portion 2211.

The scooper 222 includes: a stopper 2221 that stops the powder M put inthe concave portion 2211 of the rotating table 221, by a predeterminedangle about the rotating axis C; and a scooping blade 2222 that isdriven so as to scoop the powder M stopped by the stopper 2221, outwardin the radial direction of the rotating table 221. Further, on the basisof an external signal, the scooper 222 can be moved by a drive mechanism(not shown) between; a scooping position X1 at which the scooper 222scoops the powder M put on the rotating table 221; and a retractionposition X2 at which the scooper 222 is spaced apart from the rotatingtable 221. Note that the stopper 2221 abuts against the concave portion2211 of the rotating table 221 at the scooping position X1, and isspaced apart from the concave portion 2211 thereof at the retractionposition X2.

A distributing operation of the powder distributing portion 2 thusconfigured is described. First, the powder M is supplied from eachpowder supplying portion 21 to each powder dividing portion 22.Specifically, a user puts the powder M into the hopper 211. Then, therotating table 221 is rotated about the rotating axis C at a constantspeed. In this state, the feeder 212 is driven to supply a constantamount of the powder M to the rotating table 221. Consequently, thepowder M is supplied from the feeder 212 to the concave portion 2211 ofthe rotating table 221, whereby a uniform amount of the powder M is putin the concave portion 2211 thereof in the circumferential direction.

Subsequently, each powder dividing portion 22 divides the powder M.Specifically, the scooper 222 is moved from the retraction position X2to the scooping position X1, whereby the stopper 2221 abuts against theconcave portion 2211. In this state, the rotating table 221 is rotatedby a predetermined angle (for example, 18°). As a result, an amount ofthe powder M is stopped by the stopper 2221, the amount corresponding tothe predetermined angle. Then, the scooping blade 2222 is driven toscoop the powder M stopped by the stopper 2221, outward in the radialdirection from the concave portion 2211. In this way, the powderdistributing portion 2 divides the powder M into a plurality of portionsby a predetermined dose, and distributes each dose of the powder M tothe dispensing and packing portion 4.

The tablet distributing portion 3 includes a tablet dividing andsupplying portion 31 having 48 divisional cells 311. The divisionalcells 311 are each provided with an openable and closable bottom plate.The bottom plates are designed to sequentially intermittently open abovea chute (not shown) provided below the tablet dividing and supplyingportion 31. With this design, the tablets in the divisional cells 311are distributed from the chute to the dispensing and packing portion 4via a route (not shown).

The dispensing and packing portion 4 includes: a common hopper 41through which the powder M and the tablets respectively distributed bythe powder distributing portion 2 and the tablet distributing portion 3pass; and a heat sealer 42 that dispenses and packs each dose of thepowder M and the tablets using the packing paper P. In the dispensingand packing portion 4, one dose of the powder M scooped from the concaveportion 2211 of each rotating table 221 and one dose of the tabletsejected from each divisional cell 311 of the tablet dividing andsupplying portion 31 are put onto the packing paper P through the commonhopper 41, and are dispensed and packed by the heat sealer 42.

The printing portion 5 prints, for example, usage, patient information,doctor's directions, and the like on the surface of the packing paper P.The printing portion 5 is placed upstream of the common hopper 41 in thefeeding direction of the packing paper P. A personal computer (to bedescribed later) is used as the input portion 7 for outputting printitems to the printing portion 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control portion 6 includes: a drivecontrolling portion 61 that controls the drive of the powderdistributing portion 2, the tablet distributing portion 3, and thedispensing and packing portion 4; and an input controlling portion 62that transmits prescription information to the drive controlling portion61. The drive controlling portion 61 is a CPU built in the medicinedispensing and packing apparatus 1. The drive controlling portion 61controls the drive of the powder distributing portion 2, the tabletdistributing portion 3, and the dispensing and packing portion 4 on thebasis of the inputted and set prescription information. The inputcontrolling portion 62 is a CPU of an external personal computerconnected to the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1.

Here, the personal computer functions as the input portion 7 forinputting the prescription information. Specifically, a touch panel isused for the input portion 7 (personal computer). That is, the inputportion 7 (personal computer) includes: an input screen 8 (touch panel)to be operated by the user to input the prescription information; andthe input controlling portion 62 (CPU) that transmits the inputtedprescription information to the drive controlling portion 61. Theprescription information inputted by a user's operation on the inputscreen 8 is checked and set by the drive controlling portion 61. Thedrive controlling portion 61 controls the respective portions on thebasis of the settings. Further, the input controlling portion 62controls the printing portion 5. Specifically, when print items areinputted on the input screen 8, the input controlling portion 62controls the drive of the printing portion 5 on the basis of theinputted print items.

Here, the input screen 8 for inputting the prescription information isdescribed.

The input screen 8 is a touch-panel screen, and the selection of itemsto be printed on the packing paper P and the input of the prescriptioninformation can be performed by a user's touch operation on this screen.The input screen 8 is designed to be switchable among a print itemselection screen 81 illustrated in FIG. 4, a usage input screen 82illustrated in FIG. 5, a dispensing and packing information input screen83 illustrated in FIG. 6, and an operation screen 84 illustrated in FIG.7.

The print item selection screen 81 is a screen for selecting items to beprinted on the packing paper P by the printing portion 5. The items tobe printed on the packing paper P by the printing portion 5 are usage, adate, patient information, a medicine name, and directions. One or moreor all of these items can be selected on the print item selection screen81.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, print item selection keys 811respectively corresponding to a plurality of set print patterns aredisplayed as a print item selection portion on the print item selectionscreen 81. Specifically, the following keys are displayed as the printitem selection keys 811 on the print item selection screen 81: a usagekey a1 for printing only the usage; a date/patient/usage key a2 forprinting the date, the patient information, and the usage; adirection/usage key a3 for printing the directions and the usage; adirection key a4 for printing only the directions; a patient/usage keya5 for printing the patient information and the usage; apatient/usage/direction key a6 for printing the patient information, theusage, and the directions; a patient/usage/medicine key a7 for printingthe patient information, the usage, and the medicine name; and anall-item key a8 for printing all the items.

When a desired key of the print item selection keys 811 is selected onthe print item selection screen 81 thus configured, the inputcontrolling portion 62 sets item(s) corresponding to the selected key,as the print item(s), and outputs the set item(s) to the printingportion 5. In FIG. 4, the usage key a1 is selected. Note that the printitem selection screen 81 includes an operation panel key 812 in additionto the print item selection keys 811, and is switched to the operationscreen 84 when the operation panel key 812 is selected.

The usage input screen 82 is a screen for inputting usage information ofthe prescription information. Here, the usage information is informationconcerning the usage including: an administration date indicating thedate of first administration; a daily frequency indicating the frequencyof administration of one day; a duration/frequency indicating the numberof days of administration; a packet count indicating the number ofpackets; and an administration timing indicating the period of time ofadministration. These pieces of information can be inputted anddisplayed on the usage input screen 82.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the following fields aredisplayed as a usage input portion 821 on the usage input screen 82: anadministration date input field 8211 for inputting the administrationdate; a daily frequency input field 8212 for inputting the dailyfrequency; a duration/frequency input field 8213 for inputting theduration/frequency; a packet count display field 8214 for displaying thenumber of packets; and an administration timing input field 8215 forinputting the administration timing. When the user operates thesefields, the usage information can be inputted and displayed on the usageinput screen 82.

In the administration date input field 8211, the date of firstadministration can be inputted by a user's operation on a numeric keypad(not shown) or a calendar (not shown) displayed on the screen. In thedaily frequency input field 8212 and the duration/frequency input field8213, the frequency or the duration based on the contents ofprescription can be inputted by a user's operation on a numeric keypad(not shown) displayed on the screen. In the administration timing inputfield 8215, timing keys respectively corresponding to a plurality of setadministration timings are displayed. Specifically, the following keysare displayed as the timing keys in the administration timing inputfield 8215: an after-each-meal key b1; a before-each-meal key b2; atwo-hour after-each-meal key b3; an after-breakfast, after-lunch,before-bedtime key b4; an after-breakfast, after-dinner, before-bedtimekey b5; and an other-usage key b6. The user selects a key correspondingto a desired administration timing from among these keys such that theadministration timing can be inputted.

Note that, when numerical values are respectively inputted to the dailyfrequency input field 8212 and the duration/frequency input field 8213,the total number of packets obtained by these numerical values isdisplayed in the packet count display field 8214. That is, in thepresent embodiment, a number-of-packet input portion 821A for enablingthe user to input the number of packets includes the daily frequencyinput field 8212, the duration/frequency input field 8213, and thepacket count display field 8214. When numerical values are respectivelyinputted to the daily frequency input field 8212 and theduration/frequency input field 8213, the total number of packets iscalculated from these numerical values, and is displayed in the packetcount display field 8214. Note that the number of packets may bedirectly inputted by a user's operation on the packet count displayfield 8214.

Further, an administration timing display field 822 for displaying aselected administration timing is displayed on the usage input screen82. The administration timing display field 822 enables the user tocheck the contents of an administration timing inputted by his/heroperation on the daily frequency input field 8212 and the administrationtiming input field 8215. Further, a next key 823 for proceeding to thenext procedure is displayed on the usage input screen 82.

The dispensing and packing information input screen 83 is a screen forinputting dispensing and packing information of the prescriptioninformation. Here, the dispensing and packing information is informationincluding: a dispensing and packing type for tablets and powder; amethod of using the plurality of powder dividing portions 22; adispensing and packing speed; the number of empty packets formed betweenthe current dispensing and packing work and the next dispensing andpacking work; and the width of the packing paper P used for thedispensing and packing. These pieces of information can be inputted anddisplayed on the dispensing and packing information input screen 83.

A plurality of dispensing and packing types, such as dispensing andpacking of only powder, dispensing and packing of only tablets,simultaneous dispensing and packing (common packing) of tablets andpowder, and individual dispensing and packing (separate packing) oftablets and powder, are set as the dispensing and packing type of thepresent embodiment. A plurality of use patterns, such as use of only anyone of the two powder dividing portions 22, simultaneous use of the two,successive use of one and the other of the two (to be described later),and automatic use of the two, are set as the method of using theplurality of powder dividing portions 22. A high speed, a standardspeed, a low speed, and an arbitrary speed are set as the dispensing andpacking speed. 0 packets (no empty packet), 1 packet, and 3 packets areset as the number of empty packets. 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm (which is astandard paper width), and 90 mm are set as the paper width.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a dispensing and packing information inputportion 831 for enabling the user to input the dispensing and packinginformation is displayed on the dispensing and packing information inputscreen 83 for enabling the user to input the dispensing and packinginformation. The dispensing and packing information input portion 831includes: a dispensing and packing type input portion 8311 for inputtingthe dispensing and packing type; a using method input portion 8312 forinputting the using method; a dispensing and packing speed input portion8313 for inputting the dispensing and packing speed; an empty packetinput portion 8314 for inputting an empty packet count; and a paperwidth input portion 8315 for inputting the paper width.

The dispensing and packing type input portion 8311 includes typeselection keys c0 respectively corresponding to a plurality ofpracticable dispensing and packing types. Specifically, the dispensingand packing type input portion 8311 includes, as the type selection keysc0: a powder key c1 for setting the dispensing and packing type for onlypowder; a tablet key c2 for setting the dispensing and packing type foronly tablets; a common packing key c3 for setting the simultaneousdispensing and packing; and a separate packing key c4 for setting theindividual dispensing and packing. The user selects a key correspondingto a desired dispensing and packing type from among these keys such thatthe dispensing and packing type can be inputted.

The using method input portion 8312 includes method selection keys d0respectively corresponding to a plurality of practicable using methods.Specifically, the using method input portion 8312 includes, as themethod selection keys d0: a left use key d1 for using only one of thepowder dividing portions 22; a right use key d2 for using only the otherof the powder dividing portions 22; a simultaneous use key d3 forsimultaneously using both the powder dividing portions 22; a consecutiveuse key d4 for consecutively using both the powder dividing portions 22;and an automatic use key d5 for automatically selecting the using methodby the control portion 6. The user selects a key corresponding to adesired using method from among these keys such that the using methodcan be inputted. Note that, in the present embodiment, the consecutiveuse key d4 functions as a dividing portion use instruction input portion7 for inputting an instruction to perform dispensing and packing usingthe plurality of powder dividing portions 22. The consecutive use key d4is not normally displayed on the dispensing and packing informationinput screen 83, and is displayed in an operable state (selectablestate) in the case where a large number of packets is inputted on theusage input screen 82.

The dispensing and packing speed input portion 8313 includes speedselection keys e0 respectively corresponding to a plurality of setdispensing and packing speeds. Specifically, the dispensing and packingspeed input portion 8313 includes, as the speed selection keys e0: astandard key e1 for setting a standard dispensing and packing speed; ahigh-speed key e2 for setting a speed higher than the standard speed;and a low-speed key e3 for setting a speed lower than the standardspeed. Further, the dispensing and packing speed input portion 8313includes a speed input key e4 for inputting an arbitrary dispensing andpacking speed.

The user selects any key of the standard key e1, the high-speed key e2,and the low-speed key e3 in the dispensing and packing speed inputportion 8313 such that the dispensing and packing speed setcorrespondingly to the selected key can be inputted. Then, the userselects the speed input key e4 such that an arbitrary dispensing andpacking speed can be inputted by a user's operation on a numeric keypad(not shown) displayed on the screen.

The empty packet input portion 8314 includes empty packet keys f0respectively corresponding to a plurality of set empty packet counts.Specifically, the empty packet input portion 8314 includes, as the emptypacket keys f0, a 0-packet key f1, a 1-packet key f2, and a 3-packet keyf3. The user selects a key corresponding to a desired empty packet countfrom among these keys such that the empty packet count can be inputted.

The paper width input portion 8315 includes paper width keys g0respectively corresponding to a plurality of set paper widths.Specifically, the paper width input portion 8315 includes, as the paperwidth keys g0, a 60 key g1, a 70 key g2, a 80 key g3 (standard key e1),and a 90 key g4. The user selects a key corresponding to the width ofthe packing paper P used for the dispensing and packing from among thesekeys such that the paper width can be inputted.

Further, the following portions and key are displayed on the dispensingand packing information input screen 83: a number-of-packet displayportion 832 for displaying the number of packets; a print check portion833 for checking contents to be printed on the packing paper P; amiscellaneous other-condition input portion 834 for inputting conditionsconcerning cleaning, locking, a cutter, and deposition spreading; and aconfirmation key 835 for confirming the inputted usage information andthe inputted dispensing and packing information.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the usage input screen 82 and thedispensing and packing information input screen 83 are displayed as tabsso as to overlap with each other within one screen. These input screenscan be switched therebetween by selecting any of the tabs on the onescreen.

The operation screen 84 is a screen for changing (inputting again)dispensing and packing conditions (for example, the method of using theplurality of powder dividing portions 22 and the numbers of packets tobe dispensed and packed by the powder dividing portions 22) that havealready been confirmed. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, thefollowing portions are displayed on the operation screen 84: a usingmethod change portion 841 for changing the method of using the pluralityof powder dividing portions 22; and a number-of-packet change portion842 for changing the numbers of packets to be dispensed and packed bythe powder dividing portions 22 (in other words, the number of divisionsof the powder dividing portions 22).

The using method change portion 841 serves to change (select again) theusing method inputted through the using method input portion 8312.Hence, similarly to the using method input portion 8312, the usingmethod change portion 841 includes a left use key h1, a right use keyh2, and a simultaneous use key h3 (see FIG. 8). Further, the usingmethod change portion 841 includes a dividing portion order inputportion 8411 for changing (inputting) the order of use of the pluralityof powder dividing portions 22 in the case of the consecutive use inwhich the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 are consecutivelyused. In the present embodiment, the dividing portion order inputportion 8411 includes: a first order key h4 for first using the one ofthe two powder dividing portions 22 and then using the other thereof;and a second order key h5 for first using the other thereof and thenusing the one thereof. The dividing portion order input portion 8411(the first order key h4 and the second order key h5) is not normallydisplayed on the operation screen 84, and is displayed in an operablestate (selectable state) in the case where the consecutive use key d4 isselected in the using method input portion 8312 of the dispensing andpacking information input screen 83 and where the consecutive use of theplurality of powder dividing portions 22 is inputted.

The number-of-packet change portion 842 serves to change the numbers ofpackets to be dispensed and packed by the powder dividing portions 22.The number-of-packet change portion 842 includes a plurality of packetcount display portions 8421 for respectively displaying the numbers ofpackets of the powder dividing portions 22, the packet count displayportions 8421 respectively corresponding to the powder dividing portions22. In each packet count display portion 8421, as illustrated in FIG. 9,the number of packets to be dispensed and packed by the correspondingpowder dividing portion 22 can be changed by a user's operation on anumeric keypad displayed on the operation screen 84. Further, in thecase where the consecutive use is set, the packet count display portions8421 respectively corresponding to the plurality of consecutively usedpowder dividing portions 22 are displayed in an operable state in thenumber-of-packet change portion 842. Moreover, when the user operatesthe packet count display portion 8421 corresponding to the one (or theother) of the powder dividing portions 22 to change the number ofpackets of the one (or the other) thereof, the number of packets of thepacket count display portion 8421 corresponding to the other (or theone) of the powder dividing portions 22 is also changed on the basis ofthe contents of change and the total number of packets. Note that, inthe case where the consecutive use is set, the packet count displayportions 8421 that are provided so as to respectively correspond to thepowder dividing portions 22 function as allocation display portions fordisplaying the numbers of packets respectively allocated to theplurality of consecutively used powder dividing portions 22.

Further, the following portions and key are displayed on the operationscreen 84: a supply speed change portion 843 for changing the supplyspeeds of the powder supplying portions 21 (specifically, the feeders212); a supply adjustment portion 844 for monitoring and adjustingsupply conditions (deposition conditions) of the powder that is suppliedfrom the powder supplying portions 21 to the powder dividing portions22; and a start key 845 for starting dispensing and packing orcompleting a reservation thereof. Note that, in the present embodiment,not only the current dispensing and packing conditions but also the nextreserved dispensing and packing conditions and the dispensing andpacking conditions reserved after the next can be switchingly displayedand changed on the operation screen 84.

The medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1 configured as describedabove can dispense and pack the tablets and the powder M. In particular,even in the case where a large number of packets that exceeds themaximum number of divisions by which one powder dividing portion 22 candivide the powder M is inputted, the medicine dispensing and packingapparatus 1 makes allocations of the large number of packets to theplurality of powder dividing portions 22, and consecutively uses thepowder dividing portions 22, whereby the medicine dispensing and packingapparatus 1 can dispense and pack an amount of the powder Mcorresponding to the large number of packets, within one flow ofdispensing and packing work. Here, a procedure for dispensing andpacking the amount of the powder M corresponding to the large number ofpackets is described with reference to the input screen 8 illustrated inFIGS. 4 to 9 and a flow chart of FIG. 10. Note that the flow chart ofFIG. 10 illustrates a procedure for an allocation to each powderdividing portion 22 in the case where the large number of packets isinputted.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the user operates the print itemselection screen 81 to select items to be printed on the packing paperP. In FIG. 4, because the usage key a1 is selected, the inputcontrolling portion 62 controls the printing portion 5 to print only theusage. Upon the selection of the key, the print item selection screen 81is switched to the usage input screen 82.

Subsequently, the user operates the input screen 8 to input the numberof packets. The number of packets inputted in this case is a numberlarger than the maximum number of divisions (specifically, 93 packets)by which one powder dividing portion 22 can divide the powder M (Step 1in FIG. 10). Specifically, the user operates the number-of-packet inputportion 821A of the usage input screen 82 to input the number of packetsin the current dispensing and packing work. In FIG. 5, the user inputsthe frequency of administration of one day “3” to the daily frequencyinput field 8212, and inputs the number of days of administration “45”to the duration/frequency input field 8213. As a result, the totalnumber of packets in the current dispensing and packing work iscalculated, and “135” is displayed in the packet count display field8214. Note that the date of first administration is inputted to theadministration date input field 8211, and a predetermined timing key (inFIG. 5, the after-each-meal key b1) is selected in the administrationtiming input field 8215. Then, the next key 823 is selected so that theprocedure goes to the next step.

Subsequently, when the number of packets is inputted, the controlportion 6 determines whether or not the inputted number of packets islarger than the maximum number of divisions by which one powder dividingportion 22 can divide (dispense and pack) the powder M (Step 2 in FIG.10). Specifically, when the next key 823 of the usage input screen 82 isselected, the input controlling portion 62 determines whether or not theinputted number of packets “135” is larger than the maximum number ofdivisions, and is equal to or less than the sum of the maximum numbersof divisions of the plurality of powder dividing portions 22. Along withthis, the input controlling portion 62 switches the input screen 8 fromthe usage input screen 82 to the dispensing and packing informationinput screen 83. Note that, in the present embodiment, the maximumnumber of divisions is “93”, and the sum of the maximum numbers ofdivisions is “186” because the number of the provided powder dividingportions 22 is two.

Here, in the case where the inputted number of packets is a value thatis larger than the maximum number of divisions and is smaller than thesum of the maximum numbers of divisions of the plurality of powderdividing portions 22 (in the case of the present embodiment), asillustrated in FIG. 6, the input controlling portion 62 displays theconsecutive use key d4 as the dividing portion use instruction inputportion 7 in an operable state, in the dispensing and packinginformation input portion 831 of the dispensing and packing informationinput screen 83 (Step 3 in FIG. 10). In the case where the inputtednumber of packets is not such a value, the consecutive use key d4 is notdisplayed, the procedure proceeds to Step 6 in FIG. 10 upon thecompletion of the input of the dispensing and packing information, andthe operation screen 84 is displayed.

Subsequently, the user operates the dispensing and packing informationinput screen 83 to input the dispensing and packing information (seeFIG. 6). Specifically, the user selects one of the keys in thedispensing and packing type input portion 8311, in accordance with thedispensing and packing type to be adopted in the dispensing and packingwork. In FIG. 6, the powder key c1 for setting the dispensing andpacking type for only powder is selected. Then, the user selects one ofthe keys in the using method input portion 8312, in accordance with themethod of using the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 to beadopted in the dispensing and packing work. Here, in the presentembodiment, the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 areconsecutively used to dispense and pack the amount of the powder Mcorresponding to the large number of packets. Hence, the consecutive usekey d4 as the dividing portion use instruction input portion 7 isselected, whereby a dividing portion use instruction is inputted.

Note that one of the keys in each of the dispensing and packing speedinput portion 8313, the empty packet input portion 8314, and the paperwidth input portion 8315 is selected, and miscellaneous other conditionsare inputted by operating the miscellaneous other-condition inputportion 834. Further, a print layout view corresponding to the printitems selected on the print item selection screen 81 is displayed in theprint check portion 833 of the dispensing and packing information inputscreen 83. Hence, the user can easily check the contents to be printed.Upon the completion of the input and check on the dispensing and packinginformation input screen 83, the confirmation key 835 is selected, andthe inputted prescription information (the usage information and thedispensing and packing information) is transmitted from the inputcontrolling portion 62 to the drive controlling portion 61.

Subsequently, upon the reception of the prescription information, thedrive controlling portion 61 checks the contents of the receivedprescription information. Specifically, the drive controlling portion 61determines whether or not the consecutive use key d4 is selected (Step 4in FIG. 10). In the case where the consecutive use key d4 is selected,the drive controlling portion 61 instructs the input controlling portion62 to display the first order key h4 and the second order key h5 as thedividing portion order input portion 8411 in an operable state, in theusing method change portion 841 of the operation screen 84.

Here, a number of packets that exceeds the maximum number of divisionsof one powder dividing portion 22 is inputted, and an instruction toperform dispensing and packing using the plurality of powder dividingportions 22 is given. Hence, the drive controlling portion 61 makesallocations of the inputted number of packets to the plurality of powderdividing portions 22. Specifically, the drive controlling portion 61allocates a given number of packets to each powder dividing portion 22,within a range not exceeding the maximum number of divisions (in thepresent embodiment, “93”) of one powder dividing portion 22. Note thatthe drive controlling portion 61 equally makes such allocations to theplurality of powder dividing portions 22. Specifically, in the casewhere the inputted number of packets is an even number, the drivecontrolling portion 61 allocates the same number of packets to each ofthe two powder dividing portions 22. In the case where the inputtednumber of packets is an odd number as in the present embodiment, thedrive controlling portion 61 makes the number of packets allocated tothe one of the powder dividing portions 22 larger by one than the numberof packets allocated to the other of the powder dividing portions 22.Further, the drive controlling portion 61 sets the respective supplyspeeds of the powder supplying portions 21 to the same speed.

Further, the drive controlling portion 61 instructs the inputcontrolling portion 62 to cause the packet count display portions 8421respectively corresponding to the plurality of used powder dividingportions 22 to: function as the allocation display portions; anddisplay, in an integer format, the numbers of packets respectivelyallocated to the powder dividing portions 22 in an operable state (Step5 in FIG. 10). Note that, as described above, the drive controllingportion 61 equally makes allocations of the inputted number of packetsto the plurality of powder dividing portions 22. Hence, the numbers ofpackets that are respectively displayed in the packet count displayportions 8421, 8421 as the allocation display portions are integers andequal numbers (which are the same as each other in the case where theinputted number of packets is an even number, and are different fromeach other by one in the case where the inputted number of packets is anodd number).

On the other hand, in the case where the consecutive use key d4 is notselected, the drive controlling portion 61 does not display the dividingportion order input portion 8411, and displays only the use keys.Further, the drive controlling portion 61 instructs the inputcontrolling portion 62 to cause the packet count display portions 8421not to function as the allocation display portions but to functionsimply for the packet count display (Step 6 in FIG. 10). Note that thedrive controlling portion 61 checks as appropriate other contents of theprescription information, and transmits the resultant check signals tothe input controlling portion 62. As a result, the inputted prescriptioninformation is set to the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1,and the input screen 8 is switched from the dispensing and packinginformation input screen 83 to the operation screen 84.

Subsequently, the user operates the operation screen 84 to change thecontents of settings as needed (Steps 7 and 8 in FIG. 10). In thepresent embodiment, in the case where the plurality of powder dividingportions 22 are consecutively used, the control portion 6 automaticallysets the order of use of the plurality of powder dividing portions 22.Specifically, when a number of packets that exceeds the maximum numberof divisions of one powder dividing portion 22 is inputted and when aninstruction to perform dispensing and packing using the plurality ofpowder dividing portions 22 is given, the drive controlling portion 61sets the order of use of the plurality of powder dividing portions 22such that a powder dividing portion 22 different from the powderdividing portion 22 used in the dispensing and packing work immediatelybefore the current dispensing and packing work is preferentially used.The automatically set order can be changed by a user's operation on theoperation screen 84. Specifically, when the user operates the usingmethod change portion 841 of the operation screen 84, the first orderkey h4 and the second order key h5 as the dividing portion order inputportion 8411 are displayed as a window. When the user selects one ofthese keys, the order of use can be selected (changed) (see FIG. 8).

Further, when the user operates the number-of-packet change portion 842of the operation screen 84, the numbers of packets respectivelyallocated to the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 can bechanged. In the present embodiment, in the case where the plurality ofpowder dividing portions 22 are consecutively used, the control portion6 equally makes allocations of the inputted number of packets to theplurality of powder dividing portions 22. Then, the allocated number ofpackets (integer) is displayed in the packet count display portion 8421that functions as the allocation display portion of each powder dividingportion 22. In FIG. 7, “68” is displayed in the packet count displayportion 8421 of the one of the powder dividing portions 22, and “67” isdisplayed in the packet count display portion 8421 of the other of thepowder dividing portions 22. When the user operates the packet countdisplay portions 8421 thus configured, the numbers of packetsrespectively allocated to the powder dividing portions 22 can be changedwithin a range not exceeding the maximum number of divisions.Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the user operates eachpacket count display portion 8421 of the operation screen 84, a numerickeypad is displayed on the operation screen 84, and the allocated numberof packets can be adjusted (changed) by a user's operation on thenumeric keypad. Note that, in FIG. 9, the packet count display portion8421 of the other of the powder dividing portions 22 is operated, andthe number of packets of the other of the powder dividing portions 22 ischanged from “67” to “50”. Then, along with this change, the number ofpackets of the one of the powder dividing portions 22 is changed from“68” to “85”.

When such a change in the contents of settings through a user'soperation on the operation screen 84 is recognized by the inputcontrolling portion 62 (Step 7 in FIG. 10), the contents of change aretransmitted from the input controlling portion 62 to the drivecontrolling portion 61, and the drive controlling portion 61 changes thepreviously made settings (Step 8 in FIG. 10). Then, according to thedisplay of the numbers of packets (specifically, the display of thepacket count display portions 8421) respectively allocated to the powderdividing portions 22, the user weighs the powder M, and puts the weighedpowder M into each hopper 211. After that, when the user selects thestart key 845 of the operation screen 84, the dispensing and packing isstarted, or the dispensing and packing reservation is completed (Step 9in FIG. 10). Note that, in the case where there is no change in thecontents of settings, the dispensing and packing is started, or thedispensing and packing reservation is completed upon the selection ofthe start key 845 of the operation screen 84.

Note that, in the case where the inputted number of packets of tabletsexceeds the maximum number of packets (48 packets) of the tabletdividing and supplying portion 31, the tablet dividing and supplyingportion 31 is repetitively used until the dispensing and packing for theinputted number of packets is completed.

In the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1 configured asdescribed above, when the user such as a pharmacist operates the usageinput screen 82 to input, as the usage information, a number of packetslarger than the maximum number of divisions by which one powder dividingportion 22 can divide the powder M and when the user operates thedispensing and packing information input screen 83 to input, as thedispensing and packing information, a dividing portion use instructionon the consecutive use of the plurality of powder dividing portions 22,the control portion 6 makes allocations of the inputted large number ofpackets to the powder dividing portions 22 within a range not exceedingthe maximum number of divisions, and controls the powder supplyingportions 21, the plurality of powder dividing portions 22, and thedispensing and packing portion 4 on the basis of the allocations.Accordingly, the user such as a pharmacist does not need to repetitivelyperform troublesome input and calculation, and can perform thedispensing and packing work through a simple screen operation.

Further, the usage input screen 82 is provided with the number-of-packetinput portion 821A for inputting the number of packets, and, when thelarge number of packets is inputted by operating the number-of-packetinput portion 821A, the consecutive use key d4 as the dividing portionuse instruction input portion 7 is displayed in an operable state on thedispensing and packing information input screen 83. Hence, the user canoperate the number-of-packet input portion 821A to input the number ofpackets on the usage input screen 82, and can operate the consecutiveuse key d4 to input the dividing portion use instruction on thedispensing and packing information input screen 83. Such input work issimple. Further, the consecutive use key d4, which is not normallydisplayed, is displayed in an operable state on the dispensing andpacking information input screen 83 only in the case where the largenumber of packets is inputted on the usage input screen 82. Hence, anerroneous operation can be reliably prevented.

Furthermore, when the large number of packets is inputted on the usageinput screen 82 and when the consecutive use key d4 is selected and thedividing portion use instruction is inputted on the dispensing andpacking information input screen 83, the dividing portion order inputportion 8411 for giving an instruction on the order of use of theplurality of powder dividing portions 22 is displayed in an operablestate on the operation screen 84. Hence, the user can set the order ofuse of the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 through a simplepanel operation. Further, because the powder dividing portions 22 areused according to the order, the dispensing and packing can beefficiently performed.

Still further, the operation screen 84 is provided with the packet countdisplay portions 8421 that function as the allocation display portionsso as to respectively correspond to the powder dividing portions 22, andhence the numbers of packets respectively allocated to the powderdividing portions 22 can be easily checked.

Further, the allocations of the large number of packets to the powderdividing portions 22 are equally made. Hence, loads on the powderdividing portions 22 can be distributed, and therefore the durability ofthe apparatus can be improved. Further, when the allocations are equallymade, the amounts of powder to be respectively put into the hoppers 211are also equal. Hence, the powder can be easily weighed, and theworkload can be suppressed.

Furthermore, when the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 areconsecutively used, a powder dividing portion 22 other than the powderdividing portion 22 used in the last dispensing and packing work ispreferentially used. Hence, long-term continuous drive of one powderdividing portion 22 can be avoided, and therefore the durability of theapparatus can be improved. Further, when the powder M is supplied inadvance from the powder supplying portion 21 to a powder dividingportion 22 that is not used in the last dispensing and packing work, thenext dispensing and packing work (powder dividing work) can be startedimmediately after the end of the last dispensing and packing work, andthe work efficiency can be improved. That is, a powder dividing portion22 that is the one other than the powder dividing portion 22 used in thelast dispensing and packing work and is ready for the dispensing andpacking (ready for the powder supply from the powder supplying portion21) is preferentially used for the work, whereby the work efficiency canbe improved.

Hereinabove, an embodiment of the present invention has been described,but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and can bevariously changed within a range not departing from the gist of thepresent invention.

For example, in the present embodiment, description is given of the casewhere the consecutive use key d4 as the dividing portion use instructioninput portion 7 is not normally displayed, and is displayed in anoperable state when the large number of packets is inputted by operatingthe number-of-packet input portion 821A, but the present invention isnot limited thereto. The consecutive use key d4 may be normallydisplayed in an inoperable state, and the display thereof may beswitched to an operable state when the large number of packets isinputted by operating the number-of-packet input portion 821A.

Further, in the present embodiment, description is given of the casewhere the dividing portion order input portion 8411 is not normallydisplayed, and is displayed in an operable state when the large numberof packets and the dividing portion use instruction are inputted, butthe present invention is not limited thereto. The dividing portion orderinput portion 8411 may be normally displayed in an inoperable state, andthe display thereof may be switched to an operable state when the largenumber of packets and the dividing portion use instruction are inputted.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, description is given of the casewhere the numbers of packets respectively allocated to the powderdividing portions 22 are equal, but the present invention is not limitedthereto. The numbers of packets respectively allocated to the powderdividing portions 22 may be unequal. Specifically, a larger number ofpackets may be allocated to one powder dividing portion 22, and asmaller number of packets may be allocated to the other powder dividingportions 22. In this case, the numbers of packets that are integers andunequal numbers are respectively displayed in the correspondingallocation display portions.

Still further, in the present embodiment, description is given of thecase where the control portion 6 is configured by two CPUs (the drivecontrolling portion 61 and the input controlling portion 62), but thepresent invention is not limited thereto. The control portion 6 may beconfigured by one CPU.

Further, in the present embodiment, description is given of the casewhere the number of the provided powder dividing portions 22 is two, butthe present invention is not limited thereto. The number of the providedpowder dividing portions 22 may be three or more. Note that, in the casewhere the number of the provided powder dividing portions 22 is two, thelarge number of packets is allocated to and dispensed and packed by allthe powder dividing portions 22 (that is, the large number of packets isdispensed and packed using all the powder dividing portions 22),whereas, in the case where the number of the provided powder dividingportions 22 is three or more, the large number of packets is allocatedto and dispensed and packed by at least two of the powder dividingportions 22 (that is, the large number of packets is dispensed andpacked using at least two of the powder dividing portions 22).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, description is given of the casewhere the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 are consecutivelyused, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality ofpowder dividing portions 22 may be, for example, alternately used.Further, the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1 may be providedwith an interrupt function, and dispensing and packing work for oneconsecutive use may be interrupted by different dispensing and packingwork.

Further, in the present embodiment, the powder supplying portions 21 arerespectively provided for the powder dividing portions 22 on aone-to-one basis, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Onepowder supplying portion 21 may be provided for the plurality of powderdividing portions 22.

The above description is summarized. The medicine dispensing and packingapparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes: the powdersupplying portions 21 that supply the powder M; the plurality of powderdividing portions 22 that divide the powder M supplied from the powdersupplying portions 21, into a plurality of portions by a predetermineddose; the dispensing and packing portion 4 that dispenses and packs eachdose of the powder M divided by each of the plurality of powder dividingportions 22; the control portion 6 that controls the powder supplyingportions 21, the plurality of powder dividing portions 22, and thedispensing and packing portion 4; and the input portion 7 through whichprescription information is inputted to the control portion 6. The inputportion 7 includes the input screen 8 to be operated by the user toinput the prescription information. In the case where a number ofpackets larger than the maximum number of divisions by which one powderdividing portion 22 can divide the powder M and a dividing portion useinstruction to dispense and pack the powder M using the plurality ofpowder dividing portions 22 are inputted as the prescription informationto the control portion 6 by operating the input screen 8, the controlportion 6 makes allocations of the inputted number of packets to thepowder dividing portions 22 within a range not exceeding the maximumnumber of divisions, and controls the powder supplying portions 21, theplurality of powder dividing portions 22, and the dispensing and packingportion 4 on the basis of the allocations.

In the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1 configured asdescribed above, when the user such as a pharmacist operates the inputscreen 8 of the input portion 7 to input the number of packets and thedividing portion use instruction as the prescription information, thecontrol portion 6 makes allocations of the inputted number of packets tothe powder dividing portions 22 within a range not exceeding the maximumnumber of divisions. Then, the control portion 6 controls the powdersupplying portions 21, the plurality of powder dividing portions 22, andthe dispensing and packing portion 4 to perform dispensing and packing,on the basis of the allocations.

Further, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1, thenumber-of-packet input portion 821A for enabling the user to input thenumber of packets may be displayed on the input screen 8. In the casewhere the number of packets larger than the maximum number of divisionsis inputted by operating the number-of-packet input portion 821A, thedividing portion use instruction input portion 7 for enabling the userto input the dividing portion use instruction may be displayed in anoperable state on the input screen 8. In the case where the dividingportion use instruction is inputted by operating the dividing portionuse instruction input portion 7, the control portion 6 may consecutivelyuse the plurality of powder dividing portions 22 to dispense and packthe powder M, on the basis of the allocations.

According to such a configuration, the user can operate thenumber-of-packet input portion 821A to input the number of packets, andcan operate the dividing portion use instruction input portion 7 toinput the dividing portion use instruction. Hence, the input work of theuser is simple. Further, in the case where the number of packets isinputted by operating the number-of-packet input portion 821A, thedividing portion use instruction input portion 7 is displayed in anoperable state on the input screen 8. Hence, an erroneous operation ofthe user can be reliably prevented.

Furthermore, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1, in thecase where the number of packets and the dividing portion useinstruction are inputted, the dividing portion order input portion 8411for enabling the user to give an instruction on the order of use of theplurality of powder dividing portions 22 may be displayed in an operablestate on the input screen 8. The control portion 6 may use the pluralityof powder dividing portions 22 one after another to dispense and packthe powder M, on the basis of the order on which the instruction isgiven by operating the dividing portion order input portion 8411.

According to such a configuration, the powder dividing portions 22 areused one after another. Hence, the dispensing and packing can beefficiently performed.

Still further, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1, theplurality of allocation display portions 8421 for displaying the numbersof packets respectively allocated to the powder dividing portions 22 maybe displayed on the input screen 8 so as to respectively correspond tothe powder dividing portions 22.

According to such a configuration, the display of the allocation displayportions 8421 enables the user to check the numbers of packetsrespectively allocated to the powder dividing portions 22.

Further, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1, the numbersof packets respectively displayed in the allocation display portions8421 may be integers.

Furthermore, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1, thenumbers of packets respectively displayed in the allocation displayportions 8421 may be equal numbers.

In this way, in the medicine dispensing and packing apparatus 1according to the present embodiment, when the user such as a pharmacistoperates the input screen 8 of the input portion 7 to input the numberof packets and the dividing portion use instruction, the control portion6 makes allocations of the inputted number of packets to the powderdividing portions 22 within a range not exceeding the maximum number ofdivisions. Then, the control portion 6 controls the powder supplyingportions 21, the plurality of powder dividing portions 22, and thedispensing and packing portion 4 to perform dispensing and packing, onthe basis of the allocations. Hence, the user does not need torepetitively perform troublesome input and calculation, and can performthe dispensing and packing work through a simple screen operation.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Medicine dispensing and packing apparatus-   2 Powder distributing portion-   3 Tablet distributing portion-   4 Dispensing and packing portion-   5 Printing portion-   6 Control portion-   7 Input portion (dividing portion use instruction input portion)-   8 Input screen-   21 Powder supplying portion-   211 Hopper-   212 Feeder-   22 Powder dividing portion-   221 Rotating table-   222 Scooper-   2211 Concave portion-   2221 Stopper-   2222 Scooping blade-   31 Tablet dividing and supplying portion-   311 Divisional cell-   41 Common hopper-   42 Heat sealer-   61 Drive controlling portion-   62 Input controlling portion-   811 Print item selection screen-   811 Print item selection key-   812 Operation panel key-   82 Usage input screen-   821 Usage input portion-   822 Administration timing display field-   823 Next key-   8211 Administration date input field-   8212 Daily frequency input field-   8213 Duration/frequency input field-   8214 Packet count display field-   8215 Administration timing input field-   821A Number-of-packet input portion-   84 Operation screen-   841 Using method change portion-   842 Number-of-packet change portion-   843 Supply speed change portion-   844 Supply adjustment portion-   845 Start key-   8411 Dividing portion order input portion-   8421 Packet count display portion (allocation display portion)-   P Packing paper-   M Powder

1. A medicine dispensing and packing apparatus comprising: a powdersupplying portion that supplies powder; a plurality of powder dividingportions that divide the powder supplied from the powder supplyingportion, into a plurality of portions by a predetermined dose; adispensing and packing portion that dispenses and packs each dose of thepowder divided by each of the plurality of powder dividing portions; acontrol portion that controls the powder supplying portion, theplurality of powder dividing portions, and the dispensing and packingportion; and an input portion through which prescription information isinputted to the control portion, wherein the input portion includes aninput screen to be operated by a user to input the prescriptioninformation, and in a case where a number of packets larger than amaximum number of divisions by which one powder dividing portion candivide the powder and a dividing portion use instruction to dispense andpack the powder using the plurality of powder dividing portions areinputted as the prescription information to the control portion byoperating the input screen, the control portion makes allocations of theinputted number of packets to the powder dividing portions within arange not exceeding the maximum number of divisions, and controls thepowder supplying portion, the plurality of powder dividing portions, andthe dispensing and packing portion on a basis of the allocations.
 2. Themedicine dispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 1, whereina number-of-packet input portion for enabling the user to input thenumber of packets is displayed on the input screen, in a case where thenumber of packets larger than the maximum number of divisions isinputted by operating the number-of-packet input portion, a dividingportion use instruction input portion for enabling the user to input thedividing portion use instruction is displayed in an operable state onthe input screen, and in a case where the dividing portion useinstruction is inputted by operating the dividing portion useinstruction input portion, the control portion consecutively uses theplurality of powder dividing portions to dispense and pack the powder,on the basis of the allocations.
 3. The medicine dispensing and packingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the number ofpackets and the dividing portion use instruction are inputted, adividing portion order input portion for enabling the user to give aninstruction on an order of use of the plurality of powder dividingportions is displayed in an operable state on the input screen, and thecontrol portion uses the plurality of powder dividing portions one afteranother to dispense and pack the powder, on the basis of the order onwhich the instruction is given by operating the dividing portion orderinput portion.
 4. The medicine dispensing and packing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein a plurality of allocation display portionsfor displaying the numbers of packets respectively allocated to thepowder dividing portions are displayed on the input screen so as torespectively correspond to the powder dividing portions.
 5. The medicinedispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein aplurality of allocation display portions for displaying the numbers ofpackets respectively allocated to the powder dividing portions aredisplayed on the input screen so as to respectively correspond to thepowder dividing portions.
 6. The medicine dispensing and packingapparatus according to claim 4, wherein the numbers of packetsrespectively displayed in the allocation display portions are integers.7. The medicine dispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 6,wherein the numbers of packets respectively displayed in the allocationdisplay portions are equal numbers.
 8. The medicine dispensing andpacking apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the numbers of packetsrespectively displayed in the allocation display portions are integers.9. The medicine dispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the numbers of packets respectively displayed in the allocationdisplay portions are equal numbers.
 10. The medicine dispensing andpacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in a case where thenumber of packets and the dividing portion use instruction are inputted,a dividing portion order input portion for enabling the user to give aninstruction on an order of use of the plurality of powder dividingportions is displayed in an operable state on the input screen, and thecontrol portion uses the plurality of powder dividing portions one afteranother to dispense and pack the powder, on the basis of the order onwhich the instruction is given by operating the dividing portion orderinput portion.
 11. The medicine dispensing and packing apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein a plurality of allocation displayportions for displaying the numbers of packets respectively allocated tothe powder dividing portions are displayed on the input screen so as torespectively correspond to the powder dividing portions.
 12. Themedicine dispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 2, whereina plurality of allocation display portions for displaying the numbers ofpackets respectively allocated to the powder dividing portions aredisplayed on the input screen so as to respectively correspond to thepowder dividing portions.
 13. The medicine dispensing and packingapparatus according to claim 12, wherein the numbers of packetsrespectively displayed in the allocation display portions are integers.14. The medicine dispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 12,wherein the numbers of packets respectively displayed in the allocationdisplay portions are equal numbers.
 15. The medicine dispensing andpacking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the numbers of packetsrespectively displayed in the allocation display portions are integers.16. The medicine dispensing and packing apparatus according to claim 15,wherein the numbers of packets respectively displayed in the allocationdisplay portions are equal numbers.